Stephanie Fuller and Her Journey as a Woman in Construction

How did my career in construction come to be?

I was always a busy kid, growing up in the Sacramento area and not leaving until heading to college at Chico State. Childhood consisted of a lot of sports (soccer, basketball, softball) to keep me busy and learn life skills: teamwork, purpose, strategy, and achievement when you give it your all.

I’ve always been a curious creature. My first vehicle was a mid-80’s Volvo 240 GL. It was well used but still ran, with horribly squeaky brakes. I spent time at a pick and pull scrapping for parts and pieces in better shape. Before long, my dad thought we should take it a step further and he showed me how to change the brake pads, rotors, and oil. This was twofold - time together with my dad, and learning. And truthfully, probably a 3rd was to keep me out of trouble. Next was the lawn work. The landscaper thought us kids should be doing the lawn, not him (message he shared with my dad), urgh! I did take note of his routine beforehand, as well as his process and efficiency. I watched how he used the weedwhacker to shape the edge of the lawn before mowing. Not that I wanted that chore, but I had some tricks in my bag when it became my responsibility!

In the Summer of ’01, mom and I headed to Chico for my orientation. Driving north, I had a thick catalog loaded with college majors and required courses. Reading through, Agriculture and Construction caught my eyes - there was a lot of science and math for both, but I was ready. As we talked through the two, Construction became the choice. Then came Fall of that year and the start of school at Chico State. I remember walking into my first class, yikes! I opened the door and looking back at me was what felt like 100 young men. I hesitated for a second, thinking, “what have I done?” Instantly, I heard my mother’s voice in my head, “get on in there!”. (I was the youngest of three and definitely the hellion of my siblings that tested my parents in many ways.) It was almost like my mom was waiting for that moment thinking, don’t stop now, you little sh*%! So, in I went! Chico was great! Us kids (classmates) became a close group; we were away from home figuring out life, getting through school, and deciding what we’re doing when we graduate.

Kiewit was my choice after graduation; I did 10 amazing years there, initially in Northern CA and then abroad (Canadian Oil Sands, Kansas, Texas). My Kiewit experience consisted of Intern, Field Engineer, Project Engineer, Job Superintendent, Construction Manager managing various projects and teams. Work scope included sitework, mass grading, drill & shoot rock excavation, various utility work, mass concrete, 54” diameter drilled shafts 100’ deep for bridge support; both public and private sector.

In my travels, I met Jeff Reed sitting next to me on a flight to Seattle. Two years later I reached out to him looking to come home. And the rest is history. This past January marked 10 years at GRI. Time flies, and it’s been great! My GRI experience has consisted of Project Manager/Estimator, Business Manager, and now Vice President transitioning to GM upon Ed Berlier’s planned retirement in March ‘26. My favorite GRI projects:

1. CDOT Hwy 49/Plymouth Roundabout building an “obstruction” with no road closures allowed, that was fun strategizing;

2. Stockton Metro Airport multiple apron and taxiway reconstruct projects and coordinating with airport operations;

3. Miner Avenue 1-mile long road reconstruct and beautification in downtown Stockton

Since choosing Construction as a career, I don’t have any regrets and I haven’t done it alone. I have had many great leaders and mentors, along the way. Still to this day, similar to the first class I walked into at Chico, I find myself being the only woman sitting at the table with my male colleagues and I have to pinch myself. It’s cool and I’ve worked my butt off to get to where I am. I do wish more women would enter the industry, but it is tough, you have to have grit, it’s long hours and not always close to home, and I think that’s the roadblock for many. What keeps me going are the everyday challenges we overcome, the collaboration with people, and the work we build.

Advice for others: Once you make your decision, go for it - no one can stop you. It’s a challenging, yet rewarding industry. Manage the noise and focus on what’s important. Never stop learning, always think big, be a leader, take initiative, mentor others, and do what’s right.

-Stephanie Fuller, Vice President of George Reed, Inc.